Veteran commentator Ken Laban has praised Ardie Savea for choosing culture over foreign cash.
The 2023 World Rugby Player of the Year, who led the All Blacks’ haka for the first time at the weekend’s Fiji clash in San Diego, has taken a three-year deal to switch Super Rugby teams from the Hurricanes to Moana Pasifika.
Mr Laban says it’s a huge deal.
“He’s talking about Pasifika, and he’s talking about Samoan rugby, he’s talking about family, he’s talking about the importance of culture, and he’s talking about leaving a legacy that he wants to be remembered for all the right reasons,” he says.
Savea’s commitment to Moana Pasifika until 2027 could mean other Pasifika stars defect to the side and give the team a real shot at the super rugby title.
